Allegheny Valley STP, Harmar Township

Overview

Allegheny Valley STP serves Harmar Township, Pennsylvania, treating wastewater for approximately 19,563 residents. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act's NPDES permit program, ensuring compliance with federal discharge standards.

Allegheny Valley STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Harmar Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Serving a population of approximately 19,563, the facility is part of the region's wastewater infrastructure, managing effluent from residential and commercial sources in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. As a US-based plant, Allegheny Valley STP operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), established by the Clean Water Act. This regulatory framework requires permits that set limits on pollutant discharges to protect water quality. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Allegheny River, a major tributary of the Ohio River, which flows into the Mississippi River and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. The Allegheny River supports diverse aquatic life and is used for recreation and drinking water supply downstream. The plant's operations are critical to maintaining water quality in this important watershed.

Environmental context

The Allegheny Valley STP discharges into the Allegheny River, which flows southwest to join the Ohio River at Pittsburgh. The Ohio River then drains into the Mississippi River, reaching the Gulf of Mexico. The Allegheny River supports a variety of fish species and is a key water source for communities downstream. The plant's effluent must meet NPDES limits to protect aquatic habitats and downstream uses.

Frequently asked questions

Allegheny Valley STP is located on Freeport Road in Harmar Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, near the community of Harmarville.

The plant serves approximately 19,563 residents in Harmar Township and surrounding areas.

The plant discharges treated effluent into the Allegheny River, which flows into the Ohio River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico.

As a US wastewater plant, it operates under the Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), requiring permits that limit pollutant discharges to protect water quality.

Plants of this scale in the US typically employ secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, meeting EPA standards under the NPDES program.