Overview
Greater Lawrence Sanitary District serves 362,545 people in Suttons Mills, Massachusetts. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, managing wastewater for the Merrimack Valley region.
The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District is a major wastewater treatment facility located in Suttons Mills, Massachusetts, serving a population of 362,545. It is part of the regional infrastructure for the Merrimack Valley area, which includes Lawrence and surrounding communities. As a large-scale facility, it is subject to the US Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting. For agglomerations of this size, secondary treatment is the minimum standard, with potential for advanced treatment to protect sensitive waters. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Merrimack River, which flows to the Atlantic Ocean via the Gulf of Maine. This river supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for fish species.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Merrimack River, a major waterway that drains into the Gulf of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean. The river supports a variety of fish and wildlife, including migratory species such as Atlantic salmon and river herring. Protecting water quality in this watershed is critical for downstream ecosystems and coastal habitats.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on Charles Street in Suttons Mills, North Andover, Essex County, Massachusetts, United States.
The facility serves a population of 362,545, making it a large agglomeration under US regulatory standards.
Treated wastewater is discharged into the Merrimack River, which flows to the Gulf of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean.
The plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to NPDES permitting, which sets discharge limits to protect water quality.
For large agglomerations, secondary treatment is standard, with tertiary treatment often required for nutrient removal in sensitive watersheds.
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