FOLLY BEACH COLL SYS, Charleston

Overview

FOLLY BEACH COLL SYS is a secondary wastewater treatment plant in Charleston, South Carolina, serving about 400 people. It discharges treated effluent near the Atlantic coast.

FOLLY BEACH COLL SYS is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in the Low Battery area of Charleston, South Carolina. It serves a small population of approximately 400 residents in the historic South of Broad neighborhood. The plant is situated on the Charleston Peninsula, close to the confluence of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required by the US Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater. Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), permits are issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to regulate discharges. For a plant of this small scale, secondary treatment effectively reduces organic matter and suspended solids before discharge. The treated effluent is discharged into the Charleston Harbor estuary, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal environment supports diverse marine life, including shellfish and migratory fish. The plant's proximity to the coast means its discharge must meet stringent water quality standards to protect sensitive estuarine habitats.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the Charleston Harbor, an estuary formed by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, which ultimately drains into the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal watershed supports critical habitats for fish, shellfish, and birds. The area is ecologically sensitive due to its role as a nursery for marine species and its proximity to recreational beaches.

Frequently asked questions

FOLLY BEACH COLL SYS is located in the Low Battery area of Charleston, South Carolina, near the southern tip of the Charleston Peninsula.

The plant serves approximately 400 people in the South of Broad neighborhood of Charleston.

The plant provides secondary treatment and discharges treated effluent into the Charleston Harbor estuary, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

Small plants in the US typically provide secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids, meeting EPA standards for discharge into surface waters.