Beacon C WPCP, City of Beacon

Overview

Beacon C WPCP serves the City of Beacon, New York, treating wastewater for approximately 18,300 residents. The plant discharges into the Hudson River, a major estuary flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.

Beacon C WPCP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in the City of Beacon, Dutchess County, New York. It serves a population of about 18,300 people, classifying it as a medium-sized facility under U.S. regulatory standards. As a U.S. plant, it operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. For a facility of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, with additional nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive waters. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Hudson River, a tidal estuary that flows south to New York Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. The Hudson River supports diverse aquatic life, including striped bass and American shad, and is an important migratory corridor for fish and birds.

Environmental context

Beacon C WPCP discharges into the Hudson River, which flows approximately 315 miles from the Adirondack Mountains to New York Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. The lower Hudson is a tidal estuary with a unique mix of freshwater and saltwater, supporting diverse species such as sturgeon and blue crabs. The river is ecologically sensitive due to historical pollution and ongoing urban runoff, making effective wastewater treatment critical for water quality and habitat health.

Frequently asked questions

Beacon C WPCP is located at 72 Dennings Avenue, City of Beacon, Dutchess County, New York, United States.

The plant serves approximately 18,308 people, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal facility.

The plant discharges treated effluent into the Hudson River, a tidal estuary that flows into New York Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.

The plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated by an NPDES permit issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which sets limits on pollutant discharges to protect water quality.

For a medium-sized agglomeration like Beacon C WPCP, secondary treatment is standard, often including biological processes and disinfection. Plants in the Hudson River watershed may also require nutrient removal to address eutrophication concerns.