Overview
Harrisonburg Rockingham wastewater treatment plant serves 86,322 people in Rockingham County, Virginia. It operates under the US Clean Water Act NPDES permit program.
Harrisonburg Rockingham is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Rockingham County, Virginia, serving a population of approximately 86,322. The facility is situated near Interstate 81 and plays a key role in managing wastewater for the surrounding community. As a medium-to-large agglomeration, the plant is subject to federal and state regulations under the US Clean Water Act. Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), plants of this scale are typically required to meet secondary treatment standards and may need additional nutrient removal to protect downstream waters. The plant's discharge ultimately flows into the Shenandoah River watershed, which is part of the larger Potomac River basin draining to the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is a major estuary with significant ecological importance, supporting diverse aquatic life and fisheries. The plant's operations contribute to regional water quality goals aimed at reducing nutrient and sediment loads to the bay.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent enters the Shenandoah River watershed, 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 complex ecosystem including blue crabs, oysters, and migratory fish. Nutrient pollution from wastewater is a key concern in this region, and plants are often required to implement advanced treatment to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loads.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located near Interstate 81 in Rockingham County, Virginia, United States.
The plant serves approximately 86,322 people in the Rockingham County area.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Shenandoah River watershed, which flows into the Potomac River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, with discharge permits issued under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Plants of this size in Virginia typically provide secondary treatment and may require advanced nutrient removal to meet Chesapeake Bay watershed goals, including limits on nitrogen and phosphorus.
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