- The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and public-sector partners have completed a $22.9 million wastewater infrastructure project on Smith Island, Maryland.
- The project took 14 years from planning to completion and modernizes wastewater treatment services across the island.
- Improvements are expected to reduce harmful nutrient pollution entering local waterways by 83% to 90%.
- A new wastewater treatment plant has been built in Ewell, replacing older facilities.
- All three pump stations have been elevated above flood levels to reduce the risk of tidal flooding.
- The project received funding from the Maryland Department of the Environment, USDA Rural Development and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development division announced the completion of the Smith Island Clean Water Project on November 2, 2026. The $22.9 million initiative modernizes the island’s wastewater infrastructure, improving essential sanitation services while helping protect the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding waterways. Smith Island is located approximately 11 miles from Crisfield, Maryland.
The project replaces older wastewater treatment facilities with a new treatment plant in Ewell. It also includes an underwater pipeline connecting the island’s communities, allowing wastewater to be treated at one modern facility. These upgrades are designed to improve the reliability and effectiveness of wastewater treatment across the island.
An important environmental benefit is the expected reduction in nutrient pollution entering local waterways. According to USDA, the improvements will reduce harmful nutrient discharges by 83% to 90%. Excess nutrients can contribute to water-quality problems and ecosystem damage, making improved wastewater treatment important for protecting the Chesapeake Bay and its aquatic habitats.
The project also addresses the island’s exposure to tidal flooding. All three pump stations have been elevated several feet above the flood elevation to help prevent floodwater from entering the wastewater system. This measure is intended to reduce the risk of service disruption during flooding and improve the resilience of essential infrastructure.
The $22.9 million investment was supported by multiple public-sector partners. The Maryland Department of the Environment contributed $15.64 million through grants and loans, while USDA Rural Development provided $5.08 million. The EPA contributed a further $2.25 million. The combined funding supported planning, engineering and construction of the upgraded system.
For local communities, reliable wastewater infrastructure supports public health, protects water resources and helps sustain livelihoods connected to fishing, crabbing and oystering. The project also demonstrates how improvements to essential public services can address environmental concerns while preparing infrastructure for climate-related risks.
For businesses and infrastructure stakeholders, the project illustrates the value of integrating pollution reduction, water management and climate resilience into infrastructure planning. Investments in modern treatment systems can help reduce environmental impacts, improve service reliability and protect the natural resources on which local economies depend.
Cognitud’s work across sustainability strategy, environmental assessment and climate resilience is relevant to these priorities. Cognitud can help organisations assess environmental risks, identify opportunities to improve resource and water management, and incorporate sustainability considerations into infrastructure and operational planning.
