Greater Hazelton STP, West Hazleton

Overview

Greater Hazelton STP in West Hazleton, Pennsylvania serves approximately 30,576 people. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act framework, discharging treated wastewater into local waterways.

Greater Hazelton STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in West Hazleton, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It serves a population of around 30,576, placing it in the medium-agglomeration category for US facilities. The plant is part of the Greater Hazleton Joint Sewer Authority's infrastructure. As a US-based plant, it 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. For a plant of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, with potential additional nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive watersheds. The plant's treated effluent flows into local streams that are part of the Susquehanna River basin, ultimately reaching the Chesapeake Bay. This watershed is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and contributing to the bay's restoration efforts under the Chesapeake Bay Program.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the Susquehanna River basin, which drains into the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. This watershed supports critical habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Nutrient loading from wastewater is a key concern in the region, driving advanced treatment requirements for many plants.

Frequently asked questions

Greater Hazelton STP is located at 500 Oscar Thomas Drive, West Hazleton, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States.

The plant serves approximately 30,576 people, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment facility.

The plant discharges treated effluent into local waterways within the Susquehanna River basin, which ultimately flows into the Chesapeake Bay.

As a US facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated by an NPDES permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Plants of this scale typically employ secondary treatment, often including biological processes like activated sludge. Additional nutrient removal may be required if discharging into sensitive watersheds such as the Chesapeake Bay.