Hurlock WWTP and Collection System - Maryland Wastewater Treatment Plant

Hurlock WWTP and Collection System is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Hurlock, Dorchester County, Maryland. The plant serves a population of approximately 2,131 residents, providing essential wastewater treatment for this small community in the Eastern Shore region. As a U.S. facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act, with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment. The plant has a designed capacity of 1.00 million gallons per day, indicating it is sized for the community's needs. The plant discharges treated effluent into local waterways that drain into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Chesapeake Bay is a vital estuary that supports diverse aquatic life, including blue crabs, oysters, and migratory fish. Proper treatment at facilities like Hurlock WWTP helps reduce nutrient loads and protect the bay's ecological health.

The plant's treated effluent flows into the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which ultimately drains into the Atlantic Ocean. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, supporting a complex ecosystem of submerged aquatic vegetation, shellfish, and finfish. Nutrient pollution from wastewater is a key concern in this region, making effective treatment critical for maintaining water quality and preventing algal blooms.