This grant agreement provides funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) to the state of maryland to implement resources and priorities to help address per- and polyfluoroalkyl…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 3 awarded $9.458 million to the Maryland Department of the Environment under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Small and Underserved Communities Emerging Contaminants Grant Program (CFDA 66.442) effective January 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029. This formula grant provides funding to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging drinking water contaminants in small and disadvantaged communities throughout Maryland. The Maryland Department of the Environment will execute a comprehensive statewide program encompassing research and testing, planning and design services, water treatment infrastructure, source water protection activities, water system restructuring, household drinking water quality testing, technical assistance, outreach and education, and workforce training support for public water systems addressing emerging contaminants.

A subaward of these funds will be made to the City of Salisbury to implement a PFAS remediation strategy that includes design and construction of a new water treatment facility to remove PFAS from raw well source water and reduce PFAS concentrations through blending capabilities. The primary deliverable is the completed treatment facility, with anticipated outcomes including improved drinking water quality for Salisbury residents and broader benefits to all Maryland state residents and occupants. These activities align with the Safe Drinking Water Act compliance objectives and ensure that underserved communities receive targeted assistance for water infrastructure improvements.

This grant agreement provides funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) to the state of maryland to implement resources and priorities to help address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and emerging contaminant challenges; and to target resources to communities most in need of assistance to ensure that no community is left behind with unsafe, inadequate water. Funds are to carry out projects and activities needed for public water systems to comply with the safe drinking water act, programs to provide household water quality testing, activities for a state to respond to a drinking water contaminants, and activities that benefit the impacted communities. The maryland department of the environment will implement a PFAS drinking water treatment project with the use of this award funding. Activities:activities include addressing emerging contaminants in small or disadvantaged communities, including but not limited to research and testing; planning and design to address emerging contaminates; treatment of emerging contaminants; source water activities related to emerging contaminants; storage; water system restructuring; providing households access to drinking water services; technical assistance; outreach and education; and workforce or training support to public water systems in addressing emerging contaminants. Subrecipient:a subaward will be made to the city of salisbury to implement a PFAS remediation strategy, which includes the construction of a water treatment facility to remove PFAS or reduce PFAS concentrations. Outcomes:anticipated deliverables include the design and construction of a new water treatment facility to remove PFAS from raw well source water and/or allow blending to reduce PFAS concentrations. Expected outcomes include improved drinking water quality. Intended beneficiaries include the residents of salisbury, maryland. Additional direct beneficiaries of this program include all state residents and occupants, both permanent and temporary.