Coudersport Area STP - Municipal Wastewater Treatment in Coudersport, Pennsylvania

Coudersport Area STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Coudersport, Potter County, Pennsylvania. Serving a population of about 4,000, it is classified as a small to medium agglomeration under US regulatory frameworks. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal influences, and its operations are integral to the local community's sanitation infrastructure. Under the US Clean Water Act, plants of this scale are typically required to meet secondary treatment standards through National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. These permits set effluent limits for biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and other pollutants to protect water quality. The plant's treatment process and capacity are designed to handle the organic load from the community, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. The treated effluent from Coudersport Area STP is discharged into a local water body that ultimately drains into the Allegheny River basin, part of the larger Ohio River watershed. This river system supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for downstream communities. The plant's discharge must meet stringent standards to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect the ecological health of the receiving waters.

The plant discharges into a tributary of the Allegheny River, which flows into the Ohio River and eventually the Mississippi River. This watershed supports a variety of fish species and is an important corridor for migratory birds. The region's forested landscape and rural character make water quality protection critical for maintaining aquatic habitat and recreational uses such as fishing and boating.