Bradford City STP - Wastewater Treatment Plant in Foster Township, Pennsylvania

Bradford City STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Foster Township, McKean County, Pennsylvania, serving a population of around 26,403. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and treats wastewater from the Bradford urban area. As a facility serving a medium-sized agglomeration, the plant is subject to the US Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting. Under this regulatory framework, secondary treatment is typically required, with additional nutrient controls if discharging to sensitive waters. The plant's capacity and treatment processes are designed to meet state and federal effluent limits. The treated effluent is discharged to a local receiving water body, likely a tributary of the Allegheny River, which flows into the Ohio River and ultimately the Mississippi River. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for downstream communities. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in the region.

The plant discharges to a local stream within the Allegheny River basin, which drains into the Ohio River and then the Mississippi River before reaching the Gulf of Mexico. The watershed supports a variety of fish species and is used for recreation and drinking water. Protecting water quality here helps maintain the ecological health of this extensive river system.