Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house Feb. 3 celebrating recent upgrades to the U.S. Naval Academy Water Treatment Plant.

The event marked the completion of the Utility Energy Service Contract (UESC) water conservation project with Baltimore Gas & Electric at NSA Annapolis.

The $7.7 million project will save money by reducing disposal costs, chemicals, electricity and groundwater.

"I'm very excited about the project," said Paul A. Bianco, water and wastewater plant engineering technician with Public Works Department Annapolis. "The project will drastically reduce operational costs, $1.5 million annually, through an improved sludge removal process, recapturing of filter backwash, reduced energy consumption and a reduction of chemical treatment. My colleagues and I have been working hard to bring this project to fruition."

In 2016, as part of the Department of the Navy's Great Green Fleet initiative, U.S. Navy shore installations will highlight energy conservation methods that aide the transformation of the Navy's energy culture and enhance energy security. The Navy's goal is to produce 50 percent of its shore-based energy requirements from alternative energies.

"Part of the Great Green Fleet mindset entails a number of energy conservation measures," said Capt. Logan Jones, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity Annapolis. "Making better use of our tax payer dollars allows us flexibility and the ability to contribute that money toward our operations and presence overseas."

The project is the first in a series of Naval District Washington's regional contributions toward the Great Green Fleet initiative. Within five years, the facility will have recouped upgrade expenses and will continue to save the U.S. Navy money every year after.

"Often conservation projects like this one are realized by local subject-matter experts who take the initiative," said Jones. "The members who worked on this put their best efforts forward with great energy and brilliant ideas. It's an opportunity that was made by their dedication to doing the best work they can."

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