Hilton Head PSD 1 STP - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Wastewater Treatment Plant

The Hilton Head PSD 1 STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, serving a population of approximately 44,465. The plant is situated in a coastal barrier island environment, within 50 kilometers of the Atlantic Ocean, and plays a critical role in protecting the region's sensitive marine and estuarine ecosystems. As a facility serving a medium-sized agglomeration, the plant is expected to provide at least secondary treatment under the US Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which drains into the Calibogue Sound and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal environment supports diverse aquatic life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and migratory birds, making effective wastewater treatment essential for maintaining water quality and ecosystem health.

The plant discharges into the Calibogue Sound, a tidal estuary connecting to the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal watershed supports salt marshes, oyster reefs, and critical habitats for fish and bird species. The area is ecologically sensitive due to its role as a nursery for marine life and its proximity to recreational beaches and tourism-dependent ecosystems.