BERK CO PSSD MARLOWE WWTP - Marlowe, West Virginia Wastewater Treatment

BERK CO PSSD MARLOWE WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Marlowe, Berkeley County, West Virginia. It serves a small population of 350 residents, reflecting its role in a rural community. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Clean Water Act, which governs wastewater discharges through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard level required for most municipal facilities in the US. Its designed capacity is 189.27 cubic meters per day, matching the reported discharge volume. This indicates the plant is operating at full capacity, typical for small systems in stable communities. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The treated effluent is discharged into a local water body that ultimately drains into the Potomac River basin. The Potomac River flows into the Chesapeake Bay, a major estuary on the Atlantic coast. The plant's operations help protect downstream water quality in this ecologically significant watershed, which supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for millions.

The plant discharges into a tributary of the Potomac River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. The Chesapeake Bay watershed is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse aquatic species including blue crabs, oysters, and migratory fish. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient and pollutant loads, contributing to the health of this vital ecosystem.