Derry Twp Clearwater STP, Hershey

Overview

Derry Township Clearwater STP serves approximately 29,213 residents in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, ensuring treated wastewater meets environmental standards before discharge.

Derry Township Clearwater STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Hershey, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Serving a population of around 29,213, the plant is part of the region's infrastructure managed by local authorities. As a US-based facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. These permits set effluent limits to protect water quality, with secondary treatment typically required for plants of this scale. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that flow into the Susquehanna River basin, ultimately reaching the Chesapeake Bay. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is an important ecological corridor for migratory fish and other species.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into streams within the Susquehanna River basin, which drains into the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is a large estuary that supports a complex ecosystem, including blue crabs, oysters, and various fish species. Nutrient and pollutant loads from wastewater plants in the basin are carefully managed to protect bay health and reduce hypoxia.

Frequently asked questions

The plant is located at 698 Clearwater Drive, Hershey, Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, United States.

The plant serves approximately 29,213 residents in the Derry Township area, including parts of Hershey.

The treated effluent is discharged into local streams that flow into the Susquehanna River basin, ultimately reaching the Chesapeake Bay.

The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act and is regulated by an NPDES permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality.

Plants of this size in the US typically provide secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, as required by the Clean Water Act.