Overview
Gloucester City Engineer's Office serves 52,826 residents in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The plant operates under US EPA NPDES regulations for coastal wastewater management.
The Gloucester City Engineer's Office wastewater treatment plant serves the coastal community of Gloucester, Massachusetts, with a population of approximately 52,826. Located on Cape Ann, the facility is part of the municipal infrastructure managing wastewater from residential and commercial sources in this historic fishing port. As a US facility serving a medium-sized agglomeration, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting. The plant's discharge ultimately reaches the Atlantic Ocean via the local watershed. Gloucester's coastal location means treated effluent enters a marine ecosystem that supports diverse aquatic life, including commercial fisheries and migratory species. The facility plays a key role in maintaining water quality in Cape Ann's coastal waters.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Atlantic Ocean via local waterways on Cape Ann. This coastal environment supports diverse marine life, including fish, shellfish, and seabirds. The area is part of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem, which is ecologically sensitive due to its cold-water habitats and importance for commercial fishing. Proper wastewater treatment is critical to prevent nutrient pollution and protect these marine resources.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at Cape Ann Marina on Essex Avenue in Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts, United States.
The plant serves approximately 52,826 residents in the city of Gloucester and surrounding areas.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Atlantic Ocean via local waterways on Cape Ann, following US EPA NPDES permit requirements.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to ensure compliance with federal and state water quality standards.
Plants of this scale in coastal Massachusetts typically employ secondary treatment or advanced treatment to remove nutrients and pathogens, protecting sensitive marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Maine.
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