Military agrees to upgrade its sewage plants

Ending two years of negotiations with the state, the military this morning agreed to upgrade its sewage plants and make other water quality improvements instead of paying Maryland's "flush fee."

At a signing ceremony at the Naval Academy, military officials listed five potential projects totaling $22 million. They include upgrading the sewage treatment systems at Fort George G. Meade in west county and at the Naval Support Facility across the Severn River from Annapolis, although no timetable was set for the improvements.

No money will change hands, but state officials said the value of the improvements exceeds the $900,000...