Overview
The Ellsworth Treatment Plant serves approximately 6,472 residents in Ellsworth, Maine, as part of the city's municipal wastewater infrastructure. It is located within 50 km of the coast, discharging into the Union River watershed.
The Ellsworth Treatment Plant is a municipal wastewater facility serving the city of Ellsworth, Maine, located in Hancock County. With a population served of about 6,472, it operates as a medium-sized treatment plant for the region. The plant is situated near the Union River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean via Frenchman Bay. As a US facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, typically administered by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Plants serving populations of this scale in Maine commonly employ secondary treatment to meet state and federal standards. The plant's discharge ultimately reaches the Gulf of Maine, a productive marine ecosystem supporting fisheries, migratory fish species, and diverse aquatic life. The Union River watershed provides critical habitat for Atlantic salmon and other species, making proper wastewater treatment essential for water quality and ecological health.
Environmental context
The Ellsworth Treatment Plant discharges into the Union River, which flows into Frenchman Bay and then the Gulf of Maine. This coastal watershed supports diverse marine life, including commercially important fish and shellfish, and provides habitat for migratory birds. The Gulf of Maine is a nutrient-sensitive ecosystem where effective wastewater treatment helps prevent eutrophication and maintains water quality for recreation and fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
The Ellsworth Treatment Plant is located at 333 Water Street in Ellsworth, Hancock County, Maine, United States.
The plant serves approximately 6,472 residents in the city of Ellsworth, Maine.
The plant discharges into the Union River, which flows into Frenchman Bay and ultimately the Gulf of Maine.
As a US facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), with permits typically issued by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
Plants of this scale in Maine typically employ secondary treatment to meet state and federal water quality standards, ensuring removal of organic matter and suspended solids before discharge.
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