Overview
Altoona Westerly STP serves approximately 54,638 people in Allegheny Township, Pennsylvania. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act's NPDES permit program.
Altoona Westerly STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Allegheny Township, Blair County, Pennsylvania. It serves a population of about 54,638, placing it in the medium-to-large agglomeration category for US facilities. As a US plant serving over 50,000 people, it is subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program under the Clean Water Act. This regulatory framework requires secondary treatment as a minimum, with additional nutrient removal standards applicable in sensitive watersheds like the Chesapeake Bay region. The plant discharges treated effluent into local waterways that ultimately drain into the Susquehanna River basin and then to the Chesapeake Bay. Its operations contribute to protecting downstream aquatic ecosystems and the bay's water quality.
Environmental context
The plant's discharge flows into tributaries of the Juniata River, part of the Susquehanna River basin, which empties into the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is a large estuary with significant ecological importance, supporting diverse fish and shellfish populations. Nutrient pollution from wastewater is a key concern in this watershed, driving advanced treatment requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Altoona Westerly STP is located at 3208 PA 764 in Allegheny Township, Blair County, Pennsylvania, United States.
The plant serves approximately 54,638 people, classifying it as a medium-to-large municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The plant discharges treated effluent into local waterways that are part of the Susquehanna River basin, ultimately reaching the Chesapeake Bay.
As a US facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which sets discharge limits and monitoring requirements.
Plants of this size in Pennsylvania typically provide secondary treatment at minimum, and may include advanced nutrient removal to meet Chesapeake Bay watershed goals.
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