Beaver Falls City STP, Beaver Falls

Overview

Beaver Falls City STP serves approximately 21,262 residents in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Beaver River watershed, ultimately draining to the Ohio River.

Beaver Falls City STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, serving a population of about 21,262. The plant is situated in the Beaver River Valley, an area characterized by a mix of residential and industrial land use. As a publicly owned treatment works, it plays a key role in managing wastewater for the community. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal facilities of this scale. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, govern discharge limits and monitoring. Plants of this size typically employ biological treatment followed by disinfection. The treated effluent is discharged to a tributary of the Beaver River, which flows into the Ohio River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Ohio River supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for millions. The plant's operations help protect downstream water quality and ecosystem health in the Ohio River basin.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the Beaver River watershed, which flows into the Ohio River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Ohio River supports a variety of fish species and provides habitat for migratory birds. Downstream, the river system is ecologically sensitive, with areas that support diverse aquatic life and recreational uses. The plant's treatment helps maintain water quality in this important regional waterway.

Frequently asked questions

Beaver Falls City STP is located in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, United States. The facility serves the city and surrounding areas in Beaver County.

The plant discharges treated effluent into a tributary of the Beaver River, which flows into the Ohio River. The discharge is regulated under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The plant protects the Beaver River and its downstream water bodies, including the Ohio River and ultimately the Mississippi River. Proper treatment prevents pollution that could harm aquatic life and drinking water sources.

The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which mandates secondary treatment for municipal wastewater. Its NPDES permit sets limits on pollutants to protect water quality in the receiving waters.

Plants of this scale typically use secondary treatment processes such as activated sludge or trickling filters, followed by disinfection (e.g., chlorination or UV). They must comply with EPA effluent guidelines and state regulations.