GORMAN WWTP - Steyer, Maryland Wastewater Treatment Plant

GORMAN WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Steyer, Garrett County, Maryland, United States. The plant serves a small population of 430 residents and operates under secondary treatment standards, which are typical for small communities in the region. The plant's designed capacity is 34.07 million gallons per day, with an actual discharge volume of 18.93 million gallons per day. As a secondary treatment facility, it meets the requirements of the US Clean Water Act, which mandates secondary treatment for municipal wastewater to protect water quality. The plant is regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment. The treated effluent is discharged into a local waterway that ultimately drains into the Potomac River basin and then to the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is a large estuary of ecological significance, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as a critical habitat for migratory birds and fish species. The plant's operations contribute to the protection of this sensitive watershed.

The plant discharges into a tributary of the Potomac River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and supports a rich ecosystem, including blue crabs, oysters, and striped bass. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient and pollutant loads, which is crucial for mitigating eutrophication and maintaining water quality in the bay.